The need for GP commissioning consortiums to make rationing decisions could put a large strain on the doctor-patient relationship, experts have warned.

Decisions on rationing of NHS funds should be taken as far away as possible from the individual doctor level, witnesses told MPs on the parliamentary health select committee on 1 March as part of the committee’s inquiry into commissioning.

MPs asked whether or not patients would be better off as a result of GP commissioning consortiums and if there was a conflict of interest for GPs as commissioners and care providers.

Committee member Nadine Dorries, Conservative MP for Mid-Bedfordshire, said: “We hear so many conflicting stories that GPs may feel patients will …